Latest DECYP data highlights the dire situation in Tasmania’s schools, with an estimated 100 teachers off work due to physical injuries in the state’s classrooms. It’s compounded by soaring rates of workers compensation claims for psychological harm. 

The Department’s annual report tabled in Parliament last week reveals that teacher workers compensation claims have risen 26% (198 to 249) from 2023 to 2025, with a huge 60% increase in psychological injury claims in the same period (47 to 75) and physical injuries also on the rise. 

Shockingly, across total department staffing in 2024-2025, only 30% of staff who claimed workers compensation for physical injury were returned to work in that same year (138 of 456). Applying this rate to teachers who claimed physical injury, would equate to 122 teachers so unwell that they were unable to return to work in that period. 

Return-to-work data indicates that teachers are so harmed by the physical injury and/or circumstances that they are unable to return to work within a 12-month period. 

“This data is appalling but totally unsurprising to teachers who have been sounding the alarm on rising violence for years. No wonder we’re witnessing unprecedented levels of teacher burnout with these levels of violence and a government unwilling to fix the problem,” said David Genford, President of the AEU in Tasmania. 

 “The Department has failed to support teachers to get back on their feet and back in the classroom,” said Mr Genford. 

“100 teachers are too injured to return to work because the Minister has failed in her job to provide a safe working environment. When Tasmania is already losing teachers faster than it can hire them, this mismanagement is alarming.” 

DECYP data also shows workers compensation claims for psychological injury increase 60% (47 to 75) from 2023 to 2025. The AEU has repeatedly pointed to the impact of unsafe workloads, stress and behavioural issues in classrooms. 

Reference tables 

Teachers Workers Compensation Claims (DECYP Portal) 

Overall 

Reference tables

Teachers Workers Compensation Claims (DECYP Portal): https://www.decyp.tas.gov.au/about-us/policies-legislation-data/data-and-statistics/workforce-data/

Overall DECYP staff Return to Work data (DECYP Annual Report, Table 33):